Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii famously knows us the moon cactus plants are among the best Succulent plants that will be best for decorations. The plant does not naturally have chlorophyll due to mutation. You will therefore need to graft it on a rootstock that can produce chlorophyll.

The article will instill you with all the insights on how to cultivate the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii. You need to understand the conditions that will favor its growth.

Planting

The article will deliberate on when to plant the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, where to plant and how you will plant it. If you purchase a moon cactus plant, you won’t have issues, because you will access all the planting instructions.

When to plant Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

You may be wondering about the best seasons for planting or even rather transplanting your moon cactus plant. The best season is during the summers and springs. Springs and summers favor faster growth hence making it the right time to plant it.

Where to plant Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

Notably, the moon cactus plant will do well under the condition with bright light. You can always choose the places that will accord it all these essentials.

If you grow it indoors, it will be nice to set it up close to the window. Make sure that your moon cactus plant is getting bright indirect sunlight. The plant is at risk when you expose to full sun.

How to plant

Now that you know the right time when t plant and where you can plant, it becomes necessary to understand steps on how to grow it. After propagating the offsets, you will then place them in a well-drained pot.

Moon cactus plant does grow well in a crowded place, and therefore, it will be prudent if you plant it in the same pot. Do not water them during winters. You can report during spring by introducing new soils with dense nutrients.

Caring for Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

Once you have planted your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, you will need to care about it. Here you will be very concerned with soil types, fertilizer, sunlight, and water. Consider each of them as given below.

Soil and fertilizer

Your plants do not need to soak in water. It implies that you will only be using well-drained soils to plant your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii. Soil should have moderate nutrients, and you can only add soluble fertilizer in instances where the soil is infertile. Replenishing the soil will allow your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii to grow well.

Sun-light, and water

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii will do well under moderate light conditions. Wild moon cactus plants are shade seeking. It may not be good to have it exposed to full sun.

When you grow the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, ensure that you cultivate them in moderate sunlight conditions. Watering should be during the springs and summers when the plant is growing.

Do not water it in the winter season. You can minimize watering during winters by doing it once a month.

Humidity and temperature

It is yet another important consideration when caring for the moon cactus plant. Temperature requirements will vary depending on the seasons. You will need 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. The cactus plants will also do well under low humid conditions.

Repotting

The moon cactus should have sufficient moisture before repotting. Ensure that you do constant watering to achieve this. After some days, you will gently move the plant to the new pot. You should choose the best soil that you will place in the pot to refill the empty spaces.

Pruning and propagation

Be concerned about pruning and propagation of the moon cactus plant. You can increase their lifespan by re-grafting it again in the new rootstock. It is even possible to grow the plant from seeds, but, it may be time-consuming. The seeds take a long to germinate though it can still be an effective way to propagate the plant.

When the seeds begin germinating, you will then re-plant them. But the best way to do the propagation is by using the plant offsets. Offsets often sprout from the rootstock. The advantage of using the offsets is the fact that it grows the roots faster.

Pests and diseases

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii suffers from pests and diseases like any other plant. If you overwater it, it will allow the fungi to breed. It also suffers from mealybugs and types of pests.

When your Gymnocalycium mihanovichii suffers the fungal diseases, it may break leaving the rootstock standing. You can safeguard your plant by cutting any rotting areas and apply fungicides to protect against fungi. Pest is common with all plants and you need to take precautions about them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii needs good care like any other plant in your garden. The steps to care about it are that complex. They are simple ways that will allow the proper growth of your plant if you will adhere to them.